Mbale, Uganda: The Umukuka of Bamasaaba, His Royal Highness Jude Mike Mudoma III, has unveiled a new, expansive cabinet composed of technocrats, former ministers, security experts, academicians, business leaders and religious figures to steer the Bugisu Cultural Institution into a new phase of governance and community mobilisation.
The appointments, announced by institution spokesperson Steven Masiga, were made in line with the Cultural Leaders Act, which empowers gazetted cultural leaders to appoint officials to serve their communities in a cultural and developmental capacity.
Masiga said the newly constituted team is expected to strengthen institutional structures, mobilise the Bamasaaba diaspora, promote peace and support government development programmes across the Bugisu sub-region.
Prime Minister and Deputies
- Rt. Hon Dr Paul Mwambu – Prime Minister (Head of Cabinet and General Administration)
- Rt. Hon Dr Wakholi Sylvester – Deputy Prime Minister (Kenya Chapter)
- Rt. Hon Dr Clet Wanduyi Masiga – Deputy Prime Minister (Research and Innovations)
- Rt. Hon Dr Gorret Kitutu – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Climate Change and Sustainable Development
- Rt. Hon Dr Devis Mwenyi – Deputy Prime Minister (General Duties)
- Rt. Hon Dr Kosea Wambaka – Deputy Prime Minister (Planning and Human Resource Development)
The inclusion of former Karamoja Affairs Minister Gorret Kitutu is among the high-profile appointments in the new structure.
Senior Ministers
- Samuel Kuloba – Education, Skills and Literacy
- William Wanyoto – Principal Cabinet Secretary
- Masaba Andrew – Finance
- Emmanuel Mutanje – Investments and Entrepreneurship
- Benard Nyongesa Mureke – Governance and Accountability
- Peter Kiwuso – Agriculture
- Dr Robinah Namome – Health, Welfare and Wellness
- Moses Kutoi – Culture, Heritage, Arts and Indigenous Knowledge
- Richard Maserejje – Attorney General and Ethics
- Dorcas Okalany – Gender, Social Development and Employment
- Peter Simon Wamoto Nabende – Trade, Cooperatives and Value Addition
- Musamali Gerosom – Information
- Mukuwa Nelson – Youth, Sports and Recreation
- Makatu – Lands, Infrastructure and Natural Resources
- Phillip Charo – Interreligious and External Community Affairs
- Woboya Vincent – Disasters and Emergencies
- Sam Sakwa Napokoli – Local Government and Clan Affairs
- Wambede Richard – Bukuka Affairs
- Wadada Davidson – Tourism and Wildlife
- Allan Wekesa – Works
- Metrine Nangila – Social Solidarity and Cultural Institutions Development
- Eng. Agnes Wache – Foreign Affairs
- Wabuyi Peter – Home Affairs
- Massa Kalid – Security Affairs
Deputy Ministers include Dr Sarah Manana (Health), Masinde (Education), and Michael Mungoma (Security).
Envoys and Special Appointments
To enhance diaspora engagement and global partnerships, the Umukuka named several envoys and ambassadors, including:
- Dr Kimanai Robert – Special Envoy for Global Partnerships
- Prof Wamuziri – Special Envoy for Diaspora Partnerships
- Prof Florence Wakoko – Ambassador for Diaspora Affairs (USA & Canada)
- Davis Wamawungo – Envoy (Australia Chapter)
- Ivan Namalala – Special Envoy (SADC Countries)
- Richard Wawomola – Envoy (Gauteng, South Africa)
- Rev Titus Kutosi – Ambassador of Peace and Reconciliation
- Rtd Col Tom Wanambisi – Special Envoy for Bamasaaba in Kenya
Dominic Wetangula was appointed Chief Advisor to the Umukuka, while Dr Geof Liyod was named Ambassador Extraordinary to Wales and Pont organisations.
Other notable appointments include:
- Jane Mutuma Watsemba – Commissioner for Elderly and Disabled Persons
- Irene Manghali – Commissioner for Public Engagement and Mobilisation
- Patrick Nabahana – Chairperson, Imbalu Committee
- Betty Mabonga – Chairperson, Nabagyelema Foundation
- Massa Onesmus – Chairperson, Land Board and Property Assets
- Priscilla Mungoma – Head of Commission for Cultural Tourism and Creative Industries
- Gidudu Milton – Chairperson, Grievances Committee
- Hajji Amir Manghali – Chairperson, Institutional Structures Development
Why the Restructuring?
Masiga said the newly appointed officials are the only authorised representatives of the Bugisu Cultural Institution and warned that no individual should transact business on behalf of the institution without express written approval from the Umukuka.
He urged the new team to serve with dedication, promote peace, sensitise communities on government programmes and discourage violent protests in favour of lawful and peaceful engagement.
The expanded cabinet is expected to work closely with government and community stakeholders to advance cultural preservation, economic empowerment, diaspora mobilisation and social cohesion across Bugisu.
He emphasised that only officials reflected in the official list are authorised to transact business on behalf of the cultural institution.
Who Is Out?
While the spokesperson did not explicitly name those dropped, the reshuffle effectively replaces the previous structure with a larger, more technocratic team incorporating new high-profile figures, diaspora representatives and sector-based ministers.
Observers say the expansion signals a shift toward professionalisation and global engagement rather than purely ceremonial cultural leadership.
Masiga urged the newly appointed officials to serve with dedication and promote peace across Bugisu, encouraging citizens to use lawful and peaceful means to address service delivery concerns.
The new team is expected to work closely with government and community stakeholders to advance the cultural and socio-economic aspirations of the Bamasaaba people.
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